DETAILS

The Delaware Association for the Education of Young Children (DEAEYC) Awards is an annual celebration honoring the people and partners who make early care and education stronger across Delaware. Held each spring, the Awards bring together educators, child care leaders, advocates, business and philanthropic supporters, community organizations, and state leaders for an evening that elevates the essential work happening in classrooms, child care programs, and communities every day. The event recognizes outstanding early childhood professionals and champions who advance high-quality, developmentally appropriate learning; strengthen child and family well-being; and expand access to stable, affordable child care. Honorees represent the heart of Delaware’s early learning system—teachers, administrators, advocates, and community leaders—along with partners who invest in children and families through policy, innovation, and public service. More than an awards ceremony, the DEAEYC Awards is a statewide convening that highlights why early care and education is critical infrastructure for Delaware’s workforce and economy. When families have reliable child care, parents can work, employers can retain staff, and children benefit from nurturing relationships and early learning experiences that set the foundation for long-term success. The Awards also shine a spotlight on the challenges providers face—from rising costs and staffing shortages to the need for sustainable public investment—and the solutions that move Delaware forward.